03/06/2010 - Lollies used to calm England fans
A local council has found a novel way to promote calm among football fans during this summer's World Cup - using lollipops.
Supporters in the Sutton Council district will be handed sweets and bottled water as a cheaper alternative to riot shields, water cannons and tear gas, which are usually used to control baying mobs.
Councillor Graham Tope, Executive Member for Community Safety, said: "Sutton is a popular place to have a night out and we want everyone to enjoy an exciting World Cup.
"Noise and aggro coming from pubs and clubs can be a pain but a lolly or drink of water can calm things down.
"Rehydrated fans quietly sucking on lollies means cheaper policing and quieter A&E departments."
Martin Furtauer-Hayes, chairman of Sutton Pubwatch, said: "The lollipops really do work. If people are sucking on a lolly, they're too preoccupied to cause a disturbance. The sugar also helps keep people's heads clear."
Staff at pubs will distribute the 5,000 Adsa-donated lollipops while church volunteers will hand out the water in the town centre.
Many known troublemakers have had their passports taken by the authorities to stop them causing trouble in South Africa, where the 23-man England squad, led by manager Fabio Capello, arrived on Thursday.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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